Evaluation of artificial diets for rearing Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lep: Noctuidae) intended biocontrollers search

Abstract

Abstract To develop a methodology for laboratory rearing of S. frugiperda for the production of bio-controllers, which allow biological control of this important pest. Four artificial diets were evaluated, two of them with grain flour (bean and chickpea) and agar; two prepared with cassava and lentil starch. Methodology: The tests were carried out in three consecutive generations; in the first one the efficiency of the diets with agar was estimated, and in the second one diets without agar and the best diet of the first trial. A final test included all artificial diets. Larval size, pupal weight and length, adult longevity and fertility, and duration of each developmental stage were determined. Results: Larval development in bean and wheat germ had no significant differences (p>0.05) (L1=2.57 mm; L2=5.83 mm; L3=9.95 mm; L4=14.7 mm; L5=21.4 mm; L6=28.01 mm and L1=2.55; L2=5.79; L3=10.16; L4=14.62 and L6=27.56 mm respectively) with the reference diet. Pupae weights ranged from 0.21g to 0.18g. The average weights in each of the cases were, 0.18 g, 0.19g, and 0.16g approximately for the diets containing bean, wheat germ, and chickpea respectively; and showed significant differences (p>0.05) with the control (0.21g.). Conclusion: The bean diet did not show significant differences (p>0.05) with the control for the insect development time (53, 39 days, 48.53 days, and 43.61 days for the artificial diet and 36.37 days, 38.42 days and 41.56 days for the reference diet).